VANCOUVER—Luxurious silk scarves, sparkling jewelry and exotic food from around the world were just some of the gift ideas on display at the Circle Craft Christmas Market at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre this weekend.
Each craft had its own unique characteristic, especially the hand-made food of Bhaskar Narsing and his wife Daksha Narshing, makers of authentic Indian cuisine. Their food recipes date back almost 300 years.
The Narsings use only clean, pure spices and preserve the food naturally without any chemicals or preserving agents. “It’s always better for us to eat fresher and to eat natural,” said Mr. Narsing.
“Our philosophy is to share our flavours with as many people as we can by introducing them to traditional Indian cuisine. It’s simple and easy, so they can enjoy it in their own kitchen. Each of our spices is handpicked.”
The Narsings clean each spice individually and put them into silver trays.
“Now we have pure, clean spice without any impurities. We then blend them into formulas that our family has had for 300 hundred years,” said Mr. Narsing.
Karin Title, a fashion designer from New York City, showcased an array of crafts including ponchos, scarves made of fine European silk, and unique, nature-inspired pieces, each different from the other.
“Hand-craft can be a spiritual experience. The more that we go into deeper sides of experiences there is an internal craving for people to be considered as individuals and not just as consumers,” said Ms. Title.
“Hand-made crafts are originally special to each individual because they are full of spontaneity we can use…. I think people really resonate with that.”
The many presenters at the market were unanimous in their view that crafts made by hand are distinct from mass-produced items and are often better quality.
Alice Tsang, a jewelry designer and owner of Alice Beads, had a booth at the market with her husband, Henry. Mr. Tsang elaborated on some of the differences between hand-made goods and those that are mass-produced.
“The people are like a machine—they do the work but they do it without thinking. The hand-craft person who makes jewelry or pottery has certain ideas in mind when they are doing it. That makes a difference.”
Hand crafts are simple yet have a deeper meaning and each craftsperson has a story as to why they chose their particular art form. If you are looking for something unique to give this Christmas season consider shopping at your local craft fair.
Each craft had its own unique characteristic, especially the hand-made food of Bhaskar Narsing and his wife Daksha Narshing, makers of authentic Indian cuisine. Their food recipes date back almost 300 years.
The Narsings use only clean, pure spices and preserve the food naturally without any chemicals or preserving agents. “It’s always better for us to eat fresher and to eat natural,” said Mr. Narsing.
“Our philosophy is to share our flavours with as many people as we can by introducing them to traditional Indian cuisine. It’s simple and easy, so they can enjoy it in their own kitchen. Each of our spices is handpicked.”
The Narsings clean each spice individually and put them into silver trays.
“Now we have pure, clean spice without any impurities. We then blend them into formulas that our family has had for 300 hundred years,” said Mr. Narsing.
Karin Title, a fashion designer from New York City, showcased an array of crafts including ponchos, scarves made of fine European silk, and unique, nature-inspired pieces, each different from the other.
“Hand-craft can be a spiritual experience. The more that we go into deeper sides of experiences there is an internal craving for people to be considered as individuals and not just as consumers,” said Ms. Title.
“Hand-made crafts are originally special to each individual because they are full of spontaneity we can use…. I think people really resonate with that.”
The many presenters at the market were unanimous in their view that crafts made by hand are distinct from mass-produced items and are often better quality.
Alice Tsang, a jewelry designer and owner of Alice Beads, had a booth at the market with her husband, Henry. Mr. Tsang elaborated on some of the differences between hand-made goods and those that are mass-produced.
“The people are like a machine—they do the work but they do it without thinking. The hand-craft person who makes jewelry or pottery has certain ideas in mind when they are doing it. That makes a difference.”
Hand crafts are simple yet have a deeper meaning and each craftsperson has a story as to why they chose their particular art form. If you are looking for something unique to give this Christmas season consider shopping at your local craft fair.
